Gas delivery system with constant overpressure relative to ambient to system with varying vacuum suction

ABSTRACT

A system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure, the system comprising: a reactor configured to combine a plasma stream, powder particles and conditioning fluid to alter the powder particles and form a mixture stream; a supply chamber coupled to the reactor; a suction generator configured to generate a suction force at the outlet of the reactor; a fluid supply module configured to supply the conditioning fluid at an original pressure; and a pressure regulation module configured to: receive the conditioning fluid from the fluid supply module, reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the outlet of the reactor, and supply the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure to the supply chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/110,341, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, entitled, “HIGH THROUGHPUT DISCOVERY OF MATERIALS THROUGH VAPOR PHASE SYNTHESIS” and to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/928,946, filed May 11, 2007, entitled “MATERIAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems for and methods of providing a constant overpressure gas to a system with varying internal pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some particle production systems rely on vacuum suction forces to carry particle-containing mixtures from a reactor region to a collection region. However, when using such systems, care must be taken to produce or condition sensitive or reactive materials.

When operating in an ambient pressure environment, contamination may occur if the internal pressure of the system falls below the ambient pressure. One solution that can be effective is to seal the system. However, completely airtight seals, if available, are very expensive.

Often, less costly seals can be used if pressure within the system is maintained at a level above the ambient pressure. However, too large a differential between the system pressure and the ambient pressure can encourage leakage out of the system, which is also undesirable. Thus, the pressure differential should be minimized.

Unfortunately, in systems where the vacuum suction used is not constant, providing a fixed overpressure into the system will not effectively minimize the pressure differential between the system pressure and the ambient pressure.

What is needed is a system and a method capable of sufficiently minimizing the pressure differential in a system having a varying vacuum suction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure is provided. The system comprises a reactor, a supply chamber, a suction generator, a conditioning fluid supply module, and a pressure regulation module. The reactor has a working gas inlet, a conditioning fluid inlet, a powder supply port, and a mixture outlet. The reactor is configured to receive a working gas through the working gas inlet, energize the working gas to form a plasma stream, receive powder particles through the powder supply port, receive the conditioning fluid through the conditioning fluid inlet, combine the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid, thereby altering the powder particles and forming a mixture stream, and supply the mixture stream to the mixture outlet. The altered powder particles are entrained within the mixture stream. The supply chamber is in fluid communication with the reactor through the conditioning fluid inlet. The suction generator is fluidly coupled to the reactor and configured to generate a suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor. The conditioning fluid supply module is configured to supply the conditioning fluid at an original pressure. The pressure regulation module is fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber. The pressure regulation module is configured to: receive the conditioning fluid at the original pressure from the conditioning fluid supply module, reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure, wherein the pressure regulation module is configured to maintain the reduction of the conditioning fluid pressure to the same selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor, and supply the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure to the supply chamber.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of supplying an overpressure gas to a particle production reactor operating in an environment having an ambient pressure is provided. The reactor has a working gas inlet, a conditioning fluid inlet, a powder supply inlet, and a mixture outlet. A suction generator provides a varying suction at the mixture outlet of the particle production reactor. A pressure regulation module receives a conditioning fluid at an original pressure from a conditioning fluid supply module. The pressure regulation module reduces the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure, wherein the pressure regulation module maintains the reduction of the conditioning fluid pressure to the same selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor. A supply chamber receives the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure from the pressure regulation module, wherein the supply chamber is fluidly coupled to the conditioning fluid inlet of the particle production reactor. The particle production reactor receives a working gas through the working gas inlet. The particle production reactor energizes the working gas to form a plasma stream. The particle production reactor receives powder particles through the powder supply port. The particle production reactor receives the conditioning fluid from the supply chamber through the conditioning fluid inlet. The particle production chamber combining the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid, thereby altering the powder particles and forming a mixture stream. The altered powder particles are entrained within the mixture stream. The mixture stream flows to the mixture outlet of the particle production reactor.

In preferred embodiments, the conditioning fluid supply module comprises a conditioning fluid reservoir and an evaporator. The conditioning fluid reservoir stores the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas. The evaporator receives the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the conditioning fluid reservoir. The evaporator then evaporates the conditioning fluid to produce the conditioning fluid in gaseous form. The pressure regulation module receives the conditioning fluid from the evaporator at the original pressure in gaseous form.

In some embodiments, the conditioning fluid supply module comprises a first conditioning fluid reservoir, a second conditioning fluid reservoir, a mixing valve, and an evaporator. The first conditioning fluid reservoir stores a first conditioning fluid as a liquid gas. The second conditioning fluid reservoir stores a second conditioning fluid as a liquid gas. The mixing valve receives the first conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the first conditioning fluid reservoir and the second conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the second conditioning fluid reservoir. The mixing valve then mixes the first conditioning fluid and the second conditioning fluid to form the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas. The evaporator then receives the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the mixing valve and evaporates the conditioning fluid to produce the conditioning fluid in gaseous form. The pressure regulation module then receives the conditioning fluid from the evaporator at the original pressure in gaseous form.

Preferably, the pressure regulation module comprises a pressure regulator fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber. In some embodiments, the pressure regulator is a diaphragm-based pressure regulator.

In preferred embodiments, the pressure regulation module further comprises a pressure relief module fluidly coupled between the pressure regulator and the supply chamber. The pressure relief module receives the conditioning fluid from the pressure regulator and vents a portion of the conditioning fluid to the environment, thereby reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid prior to entry into the supply chamber.

The pressure regulation module preferably comprises a plurality of pressure regulators fluidly coupled in serial formation between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber. Each one of the plurality of pressure regulators can be a diaphragm-based pressure regulator. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of pressure regulators comprises a first pressure regulator, a second pressure regulator, and a third pressure regulator. The first pressure regulator receives the conditioning fluid from the conditioning fluid supply module at the original pressure and reduces the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a second pressure. The second pressure regulator receives the conditioning fluid from the first pressure regulator at the second pressure and reduces the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the second pressure to a third pressure. The third pressure regulator receives the conditioning fluid from the second pressure regulator at the third pressure and reduces the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the third pressure to a fourth pressure.

In preferred embodiments, the reactor comprises a plasma torch and a reaction chamber. The plasma torch comprises the working gas inlet and a plasma outlet. The reaction chamber is fluidly coupled to the plasma outlet and comprises the conditioning fluid inlet, the powder supply port and the mixture outlet. The plasma torch receives the working gas through the working gas inlet and energizes the working gas to form the plasma stream. The plasma torch then supplies the plasma stream to the plasma outlet. The reaction chamber receives the plasma stream through the plasma outlet, receives the powder particles through powder supply port, and receives the conditioning fluid through the conditioning fluid inlet. The reaction chamber combines the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid to form the mixture stream. The reaction chamber then supplies the mixture stream to the mixture outlet.

In preferred embodiments, a collection system is fluidly coupled between the mixture outlet of the reaction chamber and the suction generator. The collection system receives the mixture stream from the reaction chamber. The collection system then separates and collects the altered powder particles from the mixture stream. Preferably, the collection system is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulation module receives the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure from the pressure regulation module.

In some embodiments, the step of combining the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid to alter the powder particles and form the mixture stream comprises the steps of the particle production reactor vaporizing the powder particles with the plasma stream and the particle production chamber condensing the vaporized powder particles.

In some embodiments, the conditioning fluid is argon. Furthermore, the selected pressure at which the pressure regulation module provides the conditioning fluid is preferably equal to or less than 2 inches of water relative to the ambient pressure, sufficiently minimizing the pressure differential in the system, while still providing a constant overpressure regardless of any variation in suction force at the reactor outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a gas supply system integrated into a particle production system with varying internal pressure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a particle processing system supplied by a gas delivery system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a particle production system supplied by a gas delivery system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a gas reservoir for use in a powder processing system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a conditioning gas supply system for use in a powder processing system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of providing a constant overpressure gas to a system with varying internal pressure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description below concerns several embodiments of the invention. The discussion references the illustrated preferred embodiment. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to either the illustrated embodiment, nor is it limited to those discussed, to the contrary, the scope should be interpreted as broadly as possible based on the language of the Claims section of this document.

In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

This disclosure refers to both particles and powders. These two terms are equivalent, except for the caveat that a singular “powder” refers to a collection of particles. The present invention may apply to a wide variety of powders and particles. Powders that fall within the scope of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: (a) nano-structured powders(nano-powders), having an average grain size less than 250 nanometers and an aspect ratio between one and one million; (b) submicron powders, having an average grain size less than 1 micron and an aspect ratio between one and one million; (c) ultra-fine powders, having an average grain size less than 100 microns and an aspect ratio between one and one million; and (d) fine powders, having an average grain size less than 500 microns and an aspect ratio between one and one million.

A wide variety of material types and forms can be processed in preferable particle production reactors used in the present invention. Without prejudice, the present invention specifically considers the provision of materials in the following forms: solid, liquid and gas.

An exemplary particle production system is a plasma powder production reactor, which is included within several of the exemplary embodiments discussed below. Generally, the plasma powder production reactor produces an output comprising particles entrained within a gas stream. Particle production preferably includes the steps of combination, reaction, and conditioning. The present invention can employ concepts similar to those used in the nano-powder production systems disclosed in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/110,341, filed on Apr. 19, 2005 and entitled, “HIGH THROUGHPUT DISCOVERY OF MATERIALS THROUGH VAPOR PHASE SYNTHESIS”, which is currently published as U.S. Publication No. 2005-0233380-A.

In such nano-powder production systems, working gas is supplied from a gas source to a plasma reactor. Within the plasma reactor, energy is delivered to the working gas, thereby creating a plasma. A variety of different means can be employed to deliver this energy, including, but not limited to, DC coupling, capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, and resonant coupling. One or more material dispensing devices introduce at least one material, preferably in powder form, into the plasma reactor. The combination within the plasma reactor of the plasma and the material(s) introduced by the material dispensing device(s) forms a highly reactive and energetic mixture, wherein the powder can be vaporized. This mixture of vaporized powder moves through the plasma reactor in the flow direction of the working gas. As it moves, the mixture cools and particles are formed therein. The still-energetic output mixture, comprising hot gas and energetic particles, is emitted from the plasma reactor.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a gas supply system 100 is configured to deliver gas to a particle production (or processing) system 170 having varying internal pressure. The particle production system 170 includes a supply chamber 172 that is fluidly coupled to a suction generator 174, such as a vacuum pump, preferably through a conduit.

In a preferred embodiment, the gas supply system 100 includes a fluid (preferably gas) reservoir 110 fluidly coupled to an evaporator 120, which is in turn fluidly coupled to a pressure regulation module. The pressure regulation module preferably comprises a plurality of pressure regulators. In FIG. 1, the pressure regulation module comprises pressure regulators 130, 140, and 150 fluidly coupled together in serial formation. The outlet of the pressure regulation module is fluidly coupled with the supply chamber 172. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the pressure regulators 130, 140, and 150 uses a diaphragm-based regulation mechanism. Preferably, the diaphragm-based regulation mechanism comprises a diaphragm-based demand valve.

The pressure regulation module can further include a pressure relief module 160 fluidly coupled between the pressure regulators and the supply chamber 172. The pressure relief module 160 preferably includes pressure relief valves 162 and 164. Pressure relief valves 162 and 164 are each independently coupled between the outlet of the pressure regulators and an inlet of the supply chamber 172. The pressure relief module 160 is configured to vent gas to the ambient environment.

The pressure regulation module is configured to receive a fluid (preferably a gas) having an original pressure and to reduce the pressure of the fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure. The pressure regulation module is configured to maintain the reduction of the fluid pressure to the selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force generated by the suction generator 174 so that the fluid is provided to the supply chamber 172 at that same selected pressure whether the suction force increases, decreases or stays the same.

In a preferred operation of the system 100, the fluid reservoir 110 supplies liquefied gas (such as liquid argon) at pressure P₀ (such as approximately 360 PSI) to the evaporator 120. The evaporator 120 evaporates the liquefied gas to form a gas at pressure P₁ (such as approximately 300 PSI), which it supplies to the pressure regulation module. The pressures P₀ and P₁ are selected by configuring the reservoir 110 and evaporator 120. Typically, these pressures are much higher than the ambient pressure in which the system 100 operates. However both P₁ and P₀ are typically not directly dependent on the ambient pressure.

The pressure regulation module reduces the gas pressure from P₁ to an outlet pressure P₄, which is set relative to ambient pressure. The pressure regulation module controls pressure of the gas supplied to the supply chamber 172 to have a fixed pressure relative to the ambient, regardless of demand. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure P₄ is a fixed amount greater than the ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure P₄ has a fixed ratio relative to the ambient pressure. Typically, the specific relationship between the ambient pressure and P₄ depends on the configuration of the pressure regulation module. Preferably, P₄ is set only a slight amount above ambient pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure regulation module reduces the gas pressure to approximately equal to or less than 2 inches of water relative to the ambient pressure. Preferably, the pressure is reduced to approximately 1 inch of water relative to the atmospheric pressure.

The pressure relief module 160 receives gas at pressure P₄. If P₄ is above a selected threshold, the pressure relief module 160 vents gas to the ambient environment, reducing the inlet pressure to the supply chamber 172. Preferably, the threshold is selected to be relatively high compared to ambient, so that under normal operation the pressure relief module 160 is not activated. As mentioned above, the pressure relief module 160 preferably comprises a plurality of pressure relief valves. As illustrated, the pressure relief module 160 includes a first pressure relief valve 162 and a second pressure relief valve 164. In some embodiments, the first pressure relief valve 162 and the second pressure relief valve 164 have differing sensitivities and are set at differing thresholds.

Referring back to the preferred operation, the first pressure regulator 130 receives the gas from the evaporator 120 at the inlet pressure P₁ (such as approximately 300 PSI) and outputs the gas at a reduced outlet pressure P₂ (such as approximately 50 PSI). Typically, the first pressure regulator 130 includes a control portion 134 and a valve portion 132. Control portion 134 uses input from P₁ and/or ambient pressure in determining the outlet pressure P₂ The second pressure regulator 140 receives gas at the outlet pressure P₂ from the first pressure regulator 130 and outputs gas at a reduced outlet pressure P₃ (such as approximately 2 PSI). Typically, the second pressure regulator 140 includes a control portion 144 and a valve portion 142. Control portion 144 uses input from P₂ and/or ambient pressure in determining the outlet pressure P₃.

The third pressure regulator 150 receives gas at the outlet pressure P₃ from the second pressure regulator 140 and outputs gas at a reduced outlet pressure P₄ (such as approximately 1 inch of water relative to ambient pressure). Typically, the third pressure regulator 150 includes a control portion 154 and a valve portion 152. Control portion 154 uses input from P₃ and/or ambient pressure in determining the outlet pressure P₄.

In accordance with the present invention, embodiments of supply systems such as the one above are integrated into a variety of particle production or processing systems having varying vacuum loads. Some embodiments of the systems contemplated within the present invention are described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a powder processing apparatus 200 is presented. The powder processing apparatus 200 includes a plasma torch 210, a gas supply chamber 215, a reaction chamber 250, a powder dispensing device 240, a conditioning gas supply system 230, a working gas supply system 220, a collection system 260, and a suction generator 270.

The plasma torch 210 is configured to receive a working gas from the working gas supply system 220. Preferably, the working gas consists of impurity-binding atoms and noble gas atoms in a selectable ratio. During operation, the plasma torch 210 forms plasma from the working gas, preferably by delivering energy to the working gas.

The reaction chamber 250 defines a path from its input port 252 to its output port 258. The input port 252 is coupled with the plasma torch 210 and the output port 258 is coupled with the conduit system 280. Preferably, the plasma torch 210 is configured to deliver plasma into the reaction chamber 250 through the input port 252. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber 250 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion extending away from the plasma torch 210 and into a frusto-conical portion, which comprises a wide end leading into a narrow end as it extends away from the plasma torch and into the output port 258. The wide end of the reaction chamber 250 preferably has an annular surface on which the input port 252 is disposed. The annular surface preferably has a large diameter relative to the size of the input port 252 through which the plasma stream enters the reaction chamber 250 from the plasma torch 210, thereby providing accommodation for the expansion of the plasma stream that occurs after the plasma stream flows into the reaction chamber 250. In a preferred embodiment, the frusto-conical surface is sufficiently smoothly varying so as to not unduly compress fluid flowing through the reaction chamber 250 to the output port 258.

The powder-dispensing device 240 is fluidly coupled with the reaction chamber 250 through a supply channel 242 and a supply port 244. The powder-dispensing device 240 can supply powder through the supply channel 242 to the supply port 244 and into the reaction chamber 250 at a selectable rate. Preferably, the supply channel 242 is configurable to deliver powder to a selectable location within the reaction chamber 250.

In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber 250 is fluidly coupled to the collection system 260 and the suction generator 270 via the conduit system 280. The suction generator 270 is configured to generate a suction force at the output port 258. The conduit system 280 is configured to receive a mixture stream from the reaction chamber 250 through the output port 258.

The gas supply chamber 215 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 250, preferably through one or more inlets 254. In this respect, the gas supply chamber 215 can supply a fluid, such as a conditioning fluid, into the reaction chamber 250.

The conditioning gas supply system 230 is configured to deliver conditioning gas into the gas supply chamber 215 and to the collection system 260 at a selected pressure relative to ambient. In this respect, the conditioning gas supply system 230 can incorporate the pressure regulation module discussed above, as well as the fluid reservoir and the evaporator. As previously mentioned, the gas supply chamber 215 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 250 and the collection system 260 is fluidly coupled to the conduit system 280. Preferably, the conditioning gas supply system 230 supplies conditioning gas to both the reaction chamber 250 and the collection system 260 at a constant pressure relative to ambient regardless of the demand from the suction generator 270. Alternatively, a separate, but similar, conditioning gas supply system supplies conditioning gas to the collection system 260. In the alternative embodiment, the two conditioning gas supply systems preferably supply the same pressure and contain the same type of conditioning gas. However, either the overpressure or the type of the gas supplied can vary between the two conditioning gas supply systems. The apparatus 200 can further comprise a reducing gas supply system 290 fluidly coupled through a gas supply port 292 into the reaction chamber 250.

Additionally, the apparatus 200 can comprise getter pumps 282 and 284, respectively configured at the output port 258 of the reaction chamber 250 and within the conduit 280 proximate to the collection system 260. Furthermore, the apparatus 200 can also comprise a temperature control system 286 that is coupled to a portion of the conduit system 280 and/or to a portion of the reaction chamber 250 and that is configured to control the temperature of the portion of the conduit system 280 and/or the reaction chamber 250.

In a preferred operation of the apparatus 200, the plasma torch 210 receives a working gas, such as a mixture of hydrogen and argon, from the working gas supply system 220 and delivers energy to the working gas, thereby forming a plasma stream. The suction generator 270 generates a suction force at the output port 258. The reaction chamber 250 receives powder from the powder dispensing device 240, conditioning gas from the conditioning gas supply system 230 through the supply chamber 215, and the plasma stream from the plasma torch 210. As discussed above, the pressure regulation module of the conditioning gas supply system 230 provides the conditioning gas to the supply chamber 215 at a selected pressure (preferably slightly above ambient pressure) regardless of any variation in the suction force at the output port 258.

The powder, conditioning gas, and the plasma stream mix within the reaction chamber, preferably altering the powder and forming a mixture stream within the reaction chamber 250. The mixture stream preferably comprises the altered powder entrained within the mixture stream. The mixture stream is forced through the output port 258 and through the collection system 260 by the suction generator 270.

The reducing gas supply system 290 preferably supplies reducing gas into the reaction chamber 250 through the supply channel 292. Preferably, the supply channel 292 is moveable to deliver reducing gas to a selectable location within the reaction chamber 250. Furthermore, the reducing gas supply system 290 preferably supplies reducing gas at a selectable rate. During operation, the reducing gas serves to flood a selectable portion of the reaction chamber 250 with reducing gas, to promote reduction and cool material within that region. For example, a location corresponding to a particular portion of a plasma plume can be flooded to take advantage of high temperatures that permit fast reduction reactions.

The getter pumps 282 and 284 are positioned to absorb impurities liberated from the powder during processing and prevent them from being reincorporated into the powder during cooling. During operation, as a powder is introduced into the reaction chamber 250, its particles encounter hot gasses and plasmas. The heating of the powder separates certain impurities from the particles of the powder. These impurities can remain separated, or later recombine as the particles and the gas cool. The getter pumps 282 are positioned to retain these impurities and prevent them from reuniting with the particles of the powder. Farther along in the conduit system 280, the getter pumps 284 are positioned to retain the liberated impurities and any other impurities that may form during the cooling of the mixture as it moves from the reaction chamber 250 through the conduit system 280.

The temperature control system 286 is configured to control the temperature of the walls of the conduit system 280 between the reaction chamber 250 and the collection system 260. Furthermore, the temperature control system 286 can also control the temperature of some of the walls of the reaction chamber 250. Preferably, the temperature of the walls is controlled to minimize contamination of the conduit system 280 and of the reaction chamber 250 (e.g., particle deposition). In an alternative embodiment, the interior surface of the conduit system 280 is coated to minimize contamination. Of course, it is contemplated that coatings and temperature control can be used in concert.

The mixture stream preferably flows from the conduit system 280 through the collection system 260. The collection system 260 separates and collects powder particles from the mixture stream, allowing rest of the mixture stream to flow through towards the suction generator 270. The collection system 260 preferably permits the suction generator 270 to provide a motive force there-through. However, in some embodiments the collection system 260 provides additional motive force. The collection system 260 is preferably configured to separate a portion of the particles transported within the mixture stream from the main body of the stream and to allow removal and analysis of the particles. Furthermore, the collection system 260 can take multiple samples, at selected times, and can sample discontinuously, which allows for sampling from gas-particle streams whose composition may vary from time to time without contamination from previous product.

It is contemplated that the collection system 260 can be configured in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the collection system 260 comprises a sampling structure, at least one filled aperture formed in the sampling structure, and at least one unfilled aperture formed in the sampling structure. Each filled aperture is configured to collect particles from the mixture stream, such as by using a filter. The sampling structure is configured to be adjusted between a pass-through configuration and a collection configuration. The pass-through configuration comprises an unfilled aperture being fluidly aligned with a conduit, such as the conduit system 280, thereby allowing the unfilled aperture to receive the mixture stream from the conduit and the mixture stream to flow through the sampling structure without substantially altering the particle content of the mixture stream. The collection configuration comprises a filled aperture being fluidly aligned with the conduit, thereby allowing the filled aperture to receive the mixture stream and collect particles while the mixture stream is being flown through the filled aperture.

It is contemplated that the sampling structure can be adjusted between the pass-through configuration and the collection configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the sampling structure is a disk-shaped structure including an annular array of apertures, wherein the annular array comprises a plurality of the filled apertures and a plurality of the unfilled apertures. The sampling structure is rotatably mounted to a base, wherein rotational movement of the sampling structure results in the adjustment of the sampling structure between the pass-through configuration and the collection configuration. In another embodiment, the sampling structure is a rectangular-shaped structure including a linear array of apertures, wherein the linear array comprises a plurality of the filled apertures and a plurality of the unfilled apertures. The sampling structure is slideably mounted to a base, wherein sliding of the sampling structure results in the adjustment of the sampling structure between the pass-through configuration and the collection configuration.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a particle production system 300 supplied by a gas delivery system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The powder production system 300 is similar to the system 200 of FIG. 2 and includes a plasma torch 310, a gas supply chamber 315, a reaction chamber 350, a powder dispensing device 340, a conditioning gas supply system 330, a working gas supply system 320, a collection system 360, and a suction generator 370.

The plasma torch 310 is configured to receive a working gas from the working gas supply system 320. Preferably, the working gas consists of impurity-binding atoms and noble gas atoms in a selectable ratio. During operation, the plasma torch 310 forms plasma from the working gas, preferably by delivering energy to the working gas.

The reaction chamber 350 defines a path from its input port 352 to its output port 358. The input port 352 is coupled with the plasma torch 310 and the output port 358 is coupled with the conduit system 380. Preferably, the plasma torch 310 is configured to deliver plasma into the reaction chamber 350 through the input port 352. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber 350 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion extending away from the plasma torch 310 and into a frusto-conical portion, which comprises a wide end leading into a narrow end as it extends away from the plasma torch and into the output port 358. The wide end of the reaction chamber 350 preferably has an annular surface on which the input port 352 is disposed. The annular surface preferably has a large diameter relative to the size of the input port 352 through which the plasma stream enters the reaction chamber 350 from the plasma torch 310, thereby providing accommodation for the expansion of the plasma stream that occurs after the plasma stream flows into the reaction chamber 350. In a preferred embodiment, the frusto-conical surface is sufficiently smoothly varying so as to not unduly compress fluid flowing through the reaction chamber 350 to the output port 358.

The powder-dispensing device 340 is fluidly coupled with the plasma torch 310 through a supply channel 342, thereby allowing the powder to flow into the plasma torch, as opposed to the powder flowing directly into the reaction chamber as in FIG. 2. The powder-dispensing device 340 can supply powder at a selectable rate. Preferably, the supply channel 342 is configurable to deliver powder to a selectable location within the plasma torch 310.

In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber 350 is fluidly coupled to the collection system 360 and the suction generator 370 via the conduit system 380. The suction generator 370 is configured to generate a suction force at the output port 358. The conduit system 380 is configured to receive a mixture stream from the reaction chamber 350 through the output port 358.

The gas supply chamber 315 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 350, preferably through one or more inlets 354. In this respect, the gas supply chamber 315 can supply a fluid, such as a conditioning fluid, into the reaction chamber 350.

The conditioning gas supply system 330 is configured to deliver conditioning gas into the gas supply chamber 315 and to the collection system 360 at a selected pressure relative to ambient. In this respect, the conditioning gas supply system 330 can incorporate the pressure regulation module discussed above, as well as the fluid reservoir and the evaporator. As previously mentioned, the gas supply chamber 315 is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber 350 and the collection system 360 is fluidly coupled to the conduit system 380. Preferably, the conditioning gas supply system 330 supplies conditioning gas to both the reaction chamber 350 and the collection system 360 at a constant pressure relative to ambient regardless of the demand from the suction generator 370. Alternatively, a separate, but similar, conditioning gas supply system supplies conditioning gas to the collection system 360. In the alternative embodiment, the two conditioning gas supply systems preferably supply the same pressure and contain the same type of conditioning gas. However, either the overpressure or the type of the gas supplied can vary between the two conditioning gas supply systems.

Additionally, the apparatus 300 can comprise getter pumps and/or a temperature control system, such as those discussed with respect to FIG. 2.

In a preferred operation of the system 300, the plasma torch 310 receives a working gas, such as a mixture of hydrogen and argon, from the working gas supply system 320 and receives powder from the powder dispensing device 340. The plasma torch 310 delivers energy to the working gas, thereby forming a plasma stream. The plasma stream is applied to the powder within the plasma torch, thereby altering the powder and forming a mixture stream within which the altered powder is entrained. In a preferred embodiment, the plasma stream vaporizes the powder.

The suction generator 370 generates a suction force at the output port 358. The reaction chamber 350 receives conditioning gas from the conditioning gas supply system 330 through the supply chamber 315, and the mixture stream from the plasma torch 310. As discussed above, the pressure regulation module of the conditioning gas supply system 330 provides the conditioning gas to the supply chamber 315 at a selected pressure (preferably slightly above ambient pressure) regardless of any variation in the suction force at the output port 358. Within the reaction chamber 350, the species within the mixture stream supplied from the plasma torch 310 condense to form particles.

The conditioning gas mixes with the mixture stream within the reaction chamber 350. In certain embodiments, the conditioning fluid serves to cool the mixture stream. The mixture stream is then forced through the output port 358 and through the collection system 360 to the collection system 360 by the suction generator 370. The collection system 360 can have all of the same features as collection system 260 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2.

Fluid reservoirs used within some embodiments of the present invention can be configured to supply a mixture of fluids. Referring now to FIG. 4, a mixed gas reservoir system 400 for use in the certain embodiments of the fluid supply systems of the present invention is discussed. The reservoir system 400 includes a first gas reservoir 410 containing a first gas and a second gas reservoir 420 containing a second gas. The first gas reservoir 410 and the second gas reservoir 420 are fluidly coupled through regulators 415 and 425, respectively, to a mixing valve 430 and an output conduit 440. During operation, tuning of the regulators 415 and 425 along with the mixing valve 430 can produce a desired ratio of the first gas and the second gas. It is contemplated that these reservoirs can store and supply fluid in gaseous form or as a liquified gas.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a conditioning gas supply system 500 is disclosed for use in a powder processing or production system, such as those discussed above. The conditioning gas supply system 500 is capable of supplying conditioning gas, whether in gaseous form or as a liquified gas, to a supply chamber at a substantially constant pressure relative to a range of different suction conditions within the chamber. The conditioning gas supply system 500 includes conditioning gas reservoirs 510 fluidly coupled through a manifold 515 to an evaporator 520, such as the evaporator 120 of FIG. 2. The evaporator 520 is fluidly coupled to a pressure regulation module 530, such as the pressure regulation module discussed with respect to FIG. 1. During operation, gas supplied from the reservoirs 510 through the manifold 515 is evaporated in the evaporator 520, and then passed through the pressure regulation module 530. The pressure regulated gas is then supplied from the pressure regulation module 530 into the supply chamber, where it can be used in a powder processing or production system as previously discussed. The pressure regulation module 530 controls the pressure of the gas supplied to the supply chamber, maintaining a fixed pressure relative to the ambient pressure, regardless of demand. In some embodiments, the system of FIG. 5 includes pressure regulation modules as outlined with respect to FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a method 600 of supplying an overpressure gas to a particle production system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure. The particle production system preferably comprises a plasma torch having a working gas inlet and a reactor chamber having a conditioning fluid inlet, a powder supply port, and a mixture outlet.

During a first period, the plasma torch produces a plasma stream at step 610. In a preferred embodiment, the plasma torch receives a working gas through the working gas inlet, then energizes the working gas to form the plasma stream. At step 620, the plasma stream flows into the reactor chamber. During the first period, a suction generator provides a first suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor chamber at step 630 a. At step 640, a gas supply module supplies conditioning fluid to a pressure regulation module at an original pressure. In one embodiment, the conditioning fluid is pure argon. At step 650, the pressure regulation module reduces the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure. It is contemplated that the selected pressure can comprise a small range above the ambient pressure, such as equal to or less than approximately 2 inches of water over atmosphere, or can be a specific level, such as equal to approximately 1 inch of water over atmosphere. At step 660, the conditioning fluid flows from the pressure regulation module into the supply chamber, and optionally to a collection system fluidly coupled downstream from the reactor chamber, at the selected pressure. The supply chamber is fluidly coupled to the conditioning fluid inlet of the reactor chamber. At step 670, the reactor chamber combines the plasma stream from the plasma torch, powder particles from the powder supply port, and the conditioning fluid from the supply chamber, thereby altering the powder particles and forming a mixture stream. It is contemplated that the powder particles can be delivered into directly into the reactor chamber (as in FIG. 2) or can be first delivered into the plasma torch (as in FIG. 3). The altered powder particles are entrained within the mixture stream. At step 680, the mixture stream flows to the mixture outlet of the reactor chamber. It can then flow to the rest of the system, such as the collection system.

The pressure regulation module maintains the reduction of the conditioning fluid pressure to the same selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor. In this respect, the process can repeat itself during another period defined by a varied suction force and perform the same steps. As seen in FIG. 6, instead of the suction generator providing a first suction force at step 630 a, the suction generator provides a second suction force at step 630 b. Although the second suction force it different from the first suction force, the pressure regulation module still regulates the pressure of the conditioning fluid and supplies the conditioning fluid to the supply chamber at the same selected pressure, preferably at 1-2 inches of water over atmosphere.

As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the protocols, processes, and procedures described herein may be repeated continuously or as often as necessary to satisfy the needs described herein. Additionally, although the operations are shown or described in a specific order, certain steps may occur simultaneously or in a different order than illustrated. For example, the reactor can receive the conditioning fluid before, during or after the period it receives the working gas and/or the powder. Accordingly, the operations of the present invention should not be limited to any particular order unless either explicitly or implicitly stated in the claims. In this respect, the use of letters as element headings (e.g., a), b), c), etc.) should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of a claim to any particular order other than that otherwise required by the actual claim language.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure, the system comprising: a reactor having a working gas inlet, a conditioning fluid inlet, a powder supply port, and a mixture outlet, wherein the reactor is configured to: a) receive a working gas through the working gas inlet, b) energize the working gas to form a plasma stream, c) receive powder particles through the powder supply port, d) receive the conditioning fluid through the conditioning fluid inlet, e) combine the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid, thereby altering the powder particles and forming a mixture stream, wherein the altered powder particles are entrained within the mixture stream, and f) supply the mixture stream to the mixture outlet; a supply chamber in fluid communication with the reactor through the conditioning fluid inlet; a suction generator fluidly coupled to the reactor and configured to generate a suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor; a conditioning fluid supply module configured to supply the conditioning fluid at an original pressure; and a pressure regulation module fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber and configured to: a) receive the conditioning fluid at the original pressure from the conditioning fluid supply module, b) reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure, wherein the pressure regulation module is configured to maintain the reduction of the conditioning fluid pressure to the same selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor, and c) supply the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure to the supply chamber.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the conditioning fluid supply module comprises: a conditioning fluid reservoir configured to store and supply the conditioning fluid in liquid form; and an evaporator fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid reservoir and the pressure regulation module and configured to receive the conditioning fluid in liquid form from the conditioning fluid reservoir, to evaporate the conditioning fluid, and to supply the conditioning fluid to the pressure regulation module at the original pressure in gaseous form.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the conditioning fluid supply module comprises: a first conditioning fluid reservoir configured to store and supply a first conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; a second conditioning fluid reservoir configured to store and supply a second conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; a mixing valve fluidly coupled to the first and second conditioning fluid reservoirs and configured to receive and mix the first and second conditioning fluids to form the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; and an evaporator fluidly coupled between the mixing valve and the pressure regulation module and configured to receive the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the mixing valve, to evaporate the conditioning fluid, and to supply the conditioning fluid as a gas to the pressure regulation module at the original pressure.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure regulation module comprises a pressure regulator fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure regulator is a diaphragm-based pressure regulator.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure regulation module further comprises a pressure relief module fluidly coupled between the pressure regulator and the supply chamber and configured to receive the conditioning fluid from the pressure regulator and to vent a portion of the conditioning fluid to the environment, thereby reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid prior to entry into the supply chamber.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure regulation module comprises a plurality of pressure regulators fluidly coupled in serial formation between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each one of the plurality of pressure regulators is a diaphragm-based pressure regulator.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of pressure regulators comprises: a first pressure regulator configured to receive the conditioning fluid from the conditioning fluid supply module and to reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a second pressure; a second pressure regulator configured to receive the conditioning fluid from the first pressure regulator and to reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the second pressure to a third pressure; and a third pressure regulator configured to receive the conditioning fluid from the second pressure regulator and to reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the third pressure to a fourth pressure.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the pressure regulation module further comprises a pressure relief module fluidly coupled between the plurality of pressure regulators and the supply chamber and configured to receive the conditioning fluid downstream from the plurality of pressure regulators and to vent a portion of the conditioning fluid to the environment, thereby reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid prior to entry into the supply chamber.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the reactor comprises: a plasma torch comprising the working gas inlet and a plasma outlet, wherein the plasma torch is configured to receive the working gas through the working gas inlet, to energize the working gas to form the plasma stream, and to supply the plasma stream to the plasma outlet; and a reaction chamber fluidly coupled to the plasma outlet and comprising the conditioning fluid inlet, the powder supply port and the mixture outlet, wherein the reaction chamber is configured to receive the plasma stream through the plasma outlet, to receive the powder particles through powder supply port, to receive the conditioning fluid through the conditioning fluid inlet, to combine the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid to form the mixture stream, and to supply the mixture stream to the mixture outlet.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a collection system fluidly coupled between the mixture outlet of the reaction chamber and the suction generator, wherein the collection system is configured to receive the mixture stream from the reaction chamber and to separate and collect the altered powder particles from the mixture stream.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the collection system is configured to receive the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure from the pressure regulation module.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the reactor altering the powder particles comprises vaporizing the powder particles, then condensing the vaporized powder particles.
 15. A method of supplying an overpressure gas to a particle production reactor operating in an environment having an ambient pressure, the reactor having a working gas inlet, a conditioning fluid inlet, a powder supply port, and a mixture outlet, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a suction generator providing a varying suction at the mixture outlet of the particle production reactor; a pressure regulation module receiving a conditioning fluid at an original pressure from a conditioning fluid supply module; the pressure regulation module reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure, wherein the pressure regulation module maintains the reduction of the conditioning fluid pressure to the same selected pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the mixture outlet of the reactor; a supply chamber receiving the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure from the pressure regulation module, wherein the supply chamber is fluidly coupled to the conditioning fluid inlet of the particle production reactor; the particle production reactor receiving a working gas through the working gas inlet; the particle production reactor energizing the working gas to form a plasma stream; the particle production reactor receiving powder particles through the powder supply port; the particle production reactor receiving the conditioning fluid from the supply chamber through the conditioning fluid inlet; the particle production chamber combining the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid, thereby altering the powder particles and forming a mixture stream, wherein the altered powder particles are entrained within the mixture stream; and the mixture stream flowing to the mixture outlet of the particle production reactor.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the conditioning fluid supply module comprises a conditioning fluid reservoir and an evaporator, and the method further comprises the steps of: the conditioning fluid reservoir storing the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; the evaporator receiving the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the conditioning fluid reservoir; the evaporator evaporating the conditioning fluid to produce the conditioning fluid as a gas; and the pressure regulation module receiving the conditioning fluid as a gas from the evaporator at the original pressure.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the conditioning fluid supply module comprises a first conditioning fluid reservoir, a second conditioning fluid reservoir, a mixing valve, and an evaporator, an the method further comprises the steps of: the first conditioning fluid reservoir storing a first conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; the second conditioning fluid reservoir storing a second conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; the mixing valve receiving the first conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the first conditioning fluid reservoir and the second conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the second conditioning fluid reservoir; the mixing valve mixing the first conditioning fluid and the second conditioning fluid to form the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas; the evaporator receiving the conditioning fluid as a liquid gas from the mixing valve; the evaporator evaporating the conditioning fluid to produce the conditioning fluid as a gas; and the pressure regulation module receiving the conditioning fluid as a gas from the evaporator at the original pressure.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure regulation module comprises a pressure regulator fluidly coupled between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pressure regulator is a diaphragm-based pressure regulator.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pressure regulation module further comprises a pressure relief module fluidly coupled between the pressure regulator and the supply chamber, and the method further comprises the steps of: the pressure relief module receiving the conditioning fluid from the pressure regulator; and the pressure relief module venting a portion of the conditioning fluid to the environment, thereby reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid prior to entry into the supply chamber.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure regulation module comprises a plurality of pressure regulators fluidly coupled in serial formation between the conditioning fluid supply module and the supply chamber.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each one of the plurality of pressure regulators is a diaphragm-based pressure regulator.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality of pressure regulators comprises a first pressure regulator, a second pressure regulator, and a third pressure regulator, and the method further comprises the steps of: the first pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the conditioning fluid supply module at the original pressure; the first pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a second pressure; the second pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the first pressure regulator at the second pressure; the second pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the second pressure to a third pressure; the third pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the second pressure regulator at the third pressure; and the third pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the third pressure to a fourth pressure.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the pressure regulation module further comprises a pressure relief module fluidly coupled between the plurality of pressure regulators and the supply chamber, and the method further comprises the steps of: the pressure relief module receiving the conditioning fluid downstream from the plurality of pressure regulators; and the pressure relief module venting a portion of the conditioning fluid to the environment, thereby reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid prior to entry into the supply chamber.
 25. The method of claim 15, wherein the reactor comprises a plasma torch and a reaction chamber, the plasma torch comprising the working gas inlet and a plasma outlet, the reaction chamber fluidly coupled to the plasma outlet and comprising the conditioning fluid inlet, the powder supply port and the mixture outlet, and the method further comprises the steps of: the plasma torch receiving the working gas through the working gas inlet; the plasma torch energizing the working gas to form the plasma stream; the plasma torch supplying the plasma stream to the plasma outlet; the reaction chamber receiving the plasma stream through the plasma outlet; the reaction chamber receiving the powder particles through powder supply port; the reaction chamber receiving the conditioning fluid through the conditioning fluid inlet; the reaction chamber combining the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid to form the mixture stream; the reaction chamber supplying the mixture stream to the mixture outlet.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein a collection system is fluidly coupled between the mixture outlet of the reaction chamber and the suction generator, and the method further comprises the steps of: the collection system receiving the mixture stream from the reaction chamber; and the collection system separating and collecting the altered powder particles from the mixture stream.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the collection system is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulation module and the method further comprises the step of the collection system receiving the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure from the pressure regulation module.
 28. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of combining the plasma stream, the powder particles and the conditioning fluid to alter the powder particles and form the mixture stream comprises the steps of: the particle production reactor vaporizing the powder particles with the plasma stream; and the particle production chamber condensing the vaporized powder particles.
 29. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure regulation module comprises a first pressure regulator, a second pressure regulator, and a third pressure regulator, the conditioning fluid supply module comprises a conditioning fluid reservoir and an evaporator, and the method further comprises the steps of: the conditioning fluid reservoir storing the conditioning fluid, wherein the conditioning fluid is liquid argon; the evaporator receiving the conditioning fluid from the conditioning fluid reservoir; the evaporator evaporating the conditioning fluid to produce the conditioning fluid in gaseous form; the first pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the evaporator at the original pressure; the first pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a second pressure; the second pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the first pressure regulator at the second pressure; the second pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the second pressure to a third pressure; the third pressure regulator receiving the conditioning fluid from the second pressure regulator at the third pressure; and the third pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the third pressure to a fourth pressure.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the selected pressure is equal to or less than 2 inches of water relative to the ambient pressure. 